Cedarville Magazine, Winter 2016

24 | Cedarville Magazine Remembering Don Rickard Cedarville’s longtime Vice President for Student Services, Don Rickard ’58, passed away November 12, 2015, after a short battle with cancer. He was 79. Faculty, staff, family, and friends remembered Rickard during a memorial service in the Jeremiah Chapel of the Dixon Ministry Center on November 17. Speakers at the service includedRickard’s pastor, David Kisner ’78, fromWashington Heights Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio; Rickard’s brother, Jim ’78; and Chancellor and former University President Paul Dixon. Rickard’s niece, Pam (Rickard) Smith ’87, sang one of his favorite hymns, No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus . Rickard came to Cedarville University in 1970 as the Dean of Students. He served under that title from 1970 to 1983. The position’s title then changed to Vice President for Student Services, and he served in that role until his retirement in 2000. During his Cedarville career, Rickard created Career Services and Counseling Services within the Student Services Department. Also through his leadership, the Student Personnel Department became more active in meeting students’ social needs, and the Campus Activities Director was expanded from a part-time to full- time position. After his retirement, Rickard represented the University at churches and schools all over the United States. The Student Government Association established the Don and Peg Rickard MK Scholarship in 2000 to honor Don and his wife, Peg (Stockwell) ’59. In 2002, the University named one of the new men’s residence halls in honor of the former vice president. Rickard Hall is part of the Murphy-Younger-Rickard complex. “Paul wrote to Timothy to keep a close watch on his life and the teaching of God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:16),” noted Jon Wood, Vice President for Student Life and Christian Ministries. “I am grateful Don went out of his way to encourage me from this passage. His encouragement to the staff serving in Student Life and Christian Ministries and to current students is irreplaceable. I am humbled to follow his example of a life lived in faithfulness to God and His Word.” “Don Rickard entered into eternity hearing the words, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant,’” commented Cedarville University’s President, Thomas White. “While on this earth, Don was a faithful servant of King Jesus, exemplifying a life lived worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” “Don Rickard shepherded so many of us here at Cedarville, and his family, according to the integrity of his heart,” Dixon said during the memorial service, substituting Rickard’s name for King David’s in Psalm 78. “Don Rickard was a walking example of integrity. It’s just who he was. He was a man of dignity, quiet strength, and warmth, gracious and humble. He loved his family, loved his church, loved his pastor, and loved everyone around Cedarville.” Rickard is survived by his wife, Peg; their three sons, Donnie ’81, Brian ’83, and Brad ’85; seven grandchildren; one great-grandson; and a brother and sister. “Please join me in praying for the Rickard family and giving thanks to the Lord for the life and faithfulness of Don Rickard,” White said. Get a $ 20 REBATE on your Cedarville License Plate! Alumni, Back the Jackets! Purchase Ohio specialty license plates with the Cedarville University Yellow Jacket logo, and we’ll send you a $20 rebate! To receive your rebate, mail a printed copy of your Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles receipt to: Public Relations 251 N. Main St. Cedarville, OH 45314 GIVE IN HONOR OF DON RICKARD To support the Don and Peg Rickard MK Scholarship Fund, give online at cedarville.edu/rickardscholarship . You can also send checks to Advancement, Cedarville University, 251 N Main St., Cedarville, OH 45314. Campus News